Gerwyn Price has made it clear that he plans to accept a wildcard invitation to the UK Open Pool Championship in late May, even if the tournament’s schedule clashes with the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs. The 2023 Premier League runner‑up was handed a wildcard entry to the pool event, which will be staged at the Brentwood Centre from May 26 to May 31. The competition will feature 256 players representing more than 50 nations and boasts a lucrative prize fund of £167,500. At the same time, Price is fighting to secure a place in the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, which are set to take place at The O2 in London on the evening of May 28.
The dual‑sport commitment has sparked a flurry of questions from fans and commentators, but Price remains confident that he can manage both challenges. The "Iceman" is no stranger to the world of cue sports.
He previously took part in last year’s Mosconi Cup, appearing in a Pro‑Am exhibition match at Alexandra Palace. In that encounter, he partnered with Milan Patel and delivered the decisive shot against opponents Ade Oladipo and Hugo Boyle, punctuating the moment with his trademark yell. His experience on the baize has given him a solid foundation for the upcoming UK Open Pool Championship. Speaking to Sky Sports before the start of Thursday’s Premier League Darts fixture in Aberdeen, Price explained his enthusiasm for the pool invitation.
"I went and watched the Mosconi Cup and have taken some interest in nine‑ball pool, and got an invite to the UK Open. So, I’ll take it with both hands and give it a crack," he said. He added that his primary goal remains the darts Play‑Offs, but he believes the tournament formats will allow him to compete in both.
"Hopefully I make the Premier League Darts Play‑Offs, first of all. If I do, with the pool, I think I could possibly play on the Tuesday. It’s double‑elimination, so I’ll still be in for a couple days after that.
Then maybe break up a bit on Thursday [for the darts], and Friday‑Saturday I should be playing [pool] again hopefully," he outlined. Price’s position in the Premier League Darts standings has become precarious after a run of three consecutive quarter‑final defeats, leaving him just five points above the fifth‑place cutoff ahead of Thursday’s matches. The pressure to perform in the darts league is high, yet he remains undeterred about his pool ambitions.
When asked about the potential conflict should he advance deep into the pool tournament, Price was unequivocal: "I’m in it to win it. I wouldn’t turn up if I didn’t think I could win. I’m half decent! They’re good players but I’m there to win." He also reassured observers that his focus on darts would not waver.
"100 per cent. That’s my bread and butter. I’m there to win the Premier League, hopefully if I get there, but I’ll be one eye on the pool as well," he affirmed. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was later asked by Sky Sports to clarify whether any special permission would be required for Price to compete in both events.
A PDC spokesperson responded: "Gerwyn does not require any special dispensation to participate. PDC players are free to take part in non‑darts events outside of their playing commitments. We are not sure if Gerwyn would play if he were to qualify for Premier League Play‑Offs night, but we believe he would choose the darts in the event of a clash!" Price’s sporting résumé extends beyond darts and pool.
He has played in the Welsh Premiership football league and even spent a brief stint with the United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, showcasing his versatility across different disciplines. The previous edition of the UK Open Pool Championship was claimed by Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, who dispatched Jonas Souto 13‑1 in the final held in Telford. That victory highlighted the event’s high competitive standard and the significant financial incentive for participants. Looking ahead, the 2026 BetMGM Premier League season continues at the P&J Live in Aberdeen.
The schedule includes a marquee clash between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, a pivotal encounter for the top‑four race, while league leader Jonny Clayton will renew his rivalry with Gian van Veen. Other notable match‑ups feature Josh Rock versus Luke Littler in the opening night, and a showdown between Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price for a semi‑final berth. Points are awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—contributing to the league table that determines the four players who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.
As the season unfolds, Price’s dual‑sport gamble adds an intriguing subplot to an already dramatic campaign, and fans will be watching closely to see whether he can juggle the demands of nine‑ball pool and elite darts without compromising his performance in either arena.